Massage acts to improve performance - MyCentralJersey.com

[massage]

Jamie Rusignuolo(Photo: Photo courtesy of Elements Massage)

Story Highlights

• Massage balances the knots that stretching does not
• Injury is likely if you don’t balance both muscle tightness and soreness
• Massage affects the cardiovascular system and dilates blood vessels

WARREN — If you speak to Jamie Rusignuolo, competitive swimmer, ironman and triathlon athlete of Watchung, swim competitions are an endurance sport and all about “drills, drills, drills.” But one secret to her success she will tell you is to “relax, refresh and repair” through regular massage therapy.

“If you don’t balance both muscle tightness and soreness, injury is likely just from sloppy form because swimming is such a technical sport,” Rusignuolo said. “Massage balances the knots that stretching does not. With all sports, injury and in-balance can cause compensatory injuries, but particularly with swimming where sacrificing form is sacrificing the entire practice of it.”


Since August 2013, Rusignuolo has undergone 90-minute weekly massage treatments with massage therapist Natasha Ordaz at Elements Massage. Treatments are customized to loosen and relax her tight and sore muscles resulting from Rusignuolo’s grueling six-day-a-week training schedule. “Since I'm a multi-sport athlete, massage is great for my circulation for all soreness, because if I have pain or tightness in one area, it often leads to five other problems. I can stretch my arms and back all day long, but when I get a massage, it hits certain spots that a stretch will never accurately relieve.”

Research findings from the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) show that massage acts to improve performance, reduce pain, prevent injury, encourage focus and shorten recovery time. Massage affects the cardiovascular system and dilates blood vessels, which helps them work more efficiently to promote circulation. The increased and enhanced blood circulation helps to relieve muscle tension, reduce soreness and make for a faster recovery.

“Preventing injuries is important because it’s dangerous to train while on a medication or anti-inflammatory that can numb pain. If something isn’t right, you need to feel it so you can stop doing what you are doing. Massage is great because it’s your own blood that heals you, and keeping the circulation flowing is what makes muscles repair themselves,” Rusignuolo said.

“Jaime is one of several athletes who look to Elements Massage for reducing muscle inflammation following a strenuous exercise workout,” said Elements Massage Owner Ferry Firmansjah. “Our massage therapy helps with pain relief, building muscles and expedites their recovery. Massages not only feel good on their muscle tissues, it’s actually good for athletes since it heals without relying on painkiller and/or anti-inflammatory medications.”

About Elements Massage of Warren
Located at Pheasant Run Plaza, 177 Washington Valley Road, Elements Massage of Warren employs many therapeutic modalities and techniques, customized for each customer and provides Swedish, sports, deep tissue, trigger point, hot stone, and prenatal massage. Therapists also incorporate other techniques including reflexology, myofacial release and shiatsu, and offer pediatric massage for younger clients. Call 732-667-5500 to schedule a massage or walk-ins are welcome. Visit http://elementsmassage.com/warren, Facebook (http://facebook.com/elementswarren) or Twitter (http://twitter.com/elementswarren).

Elements Massage is headquartered in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and owned by WellBiz Brands. The company also owns Fitness Together Franchise Corporation (Fitness Together), which franchises one-on-one and small group personal physical fitness training studios. Elements began franchising in 2006 and has more than 160 locations in 29 states. For more information, visit www.elementsmassage.com.

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